ACTpei

Another ‘Angry Women’ Juror

Anne of Green Gables she’s not … but she has been! Robyn may be recognized by many of us: for half-a-dozen summers she was indeed Anne Shirley at Avonlea Village in Cavendish.

She is a very different person in 12 Angry Women: her Juror #12, she says, is a materialistic woman who is driven by her work, even self-defined by it. She has little time for anything else — let alone a murder trial — and wants everyone else to know that. Quite unlike the real Robyn, she sees little value in human connection and friendships, and often comes across as sarcastic and snobbish. Seeing herself as an analytical decision-maker, Juror #12 absolutely knows what the verdict should be.

This is a very different role from a couple of the major roles Robyn has had previously in ACT productions: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (2016), and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (2009).

In real life Robyn is a teacher … and in even realer life she is “a proud new momma to my gorgeous daughter, Freya.” It was quite a decision to get involved in this play, and she feels appreciative toward her husband, in-laws, family and friends for their willingness to help with child-care so as to make it possible for her to take part.

Robyn finds a current relevance in 12 Angry Women: it’s set in the 1950s, but she senses an assertive power in this diverse group of women which fits well in our era of #metoo. “A not-to-be-missed theatre experience,” she says.

That experience will start on April 26th-28th at The Carriage House in Charlottetown ... and will also be presented at the Watermark in North Rustico (May 2), Eptek Gallery in Summerside (May 4), and Kings Playhouse in Georgetown (May 10).